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Global
Systems
Laboratory

National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

Forecast systems that deliver solutions

Explore GSL

Who we are

In a world where technology and Earth system science are advancing rapidly, the Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) stands at the forefront of atmospheric research The core of GSL's culture is a dynamic and forward-thinking spirit that drives our investment in people, partnerships, and organizational performance. GSL is a space where innovation and science converge in a hybrid and collaborative environment.

GSL is one of ten NOAA Research Laboratories and is located in Boulder, Colorado. Our research improves environmental prediction models, develops state-of-the-science decision support tools, visualization systems, and uses high-performance computing technology and artificial intelligence research to support a Weather-Ready Fire-Ready Nation.

Our Research Serves The Nation

The research we do improves weather data, forecasts, and computing techniques used by industry, decision-makers, and stakeholders. Our work makes the nation's operations safer and more efficient, helps protect lives and property, and promotes economic prosperity.

Public Safety

GSL's models and technology help emergency managers respond to weather threats quickly.

Aviation

Our tools help the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduce air traffic delays and increase safety.

Energy

GSL's weather models facilitate planning for variability in the energy industry.

Fire Weather

Decision support systems and smoke models developed by GSL help with wildfire operations.

News from GSL

GSL offers new storm surge alert tool

Emergency responders in central Florida navigating flooding resulting from storm surge during Hurricane Ian in 2022. Source: NOAA/NHC Hurricane Ian Tropical Cyclone Report. Image Credit: Phelan M. Ebenhack/EBENP, via Associated Press The deadliest hazard from tropical storms and hurricanes isn’t wind – it’s storm surge and the flooding that follows....

Posted: Jul 09, 2025
Weather prediction workshop and community model upgrades spotlight GSL-driven advancements

GSL’s model developers and evaluators have been hard at work testing, advancing, and planning the next generation of numerical weather prediction models. Recently, this has included taking a leading role at a recent workshop for the scientific community and making significant contributions to recent releases of two major atmospheric modeling...

Posted: Jul 03, 2025
Fire Weather Testbed brings local experts together for wildfire research workshop

On June 6, 2025, NOAA’s Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) hosted a workshop led by the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Sensing and Computation for Environmental Decision-making Engine (NSF ASCEND Engine) in Colorado and Wyoming. The hybrid workshop, with virtual and on-site participation at the Fire Weather Testbed on NOAA’s Boulder campus,...

Posted: Jul 02, 2025

Our Latest Projects

GSL's HRRR-Smoke Model predicts how the weather impacts smoke movement and how much the smoke could reduce visibility and air temperatures. The HRRR Smoke Model is a component of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh weather model that transitioned to NOAA and National Weather Service operations on December 2, 2020.

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Our Goals

People

This image was created with Generative AI. - Global Systems Laboratory People

Invest in people, partnerships, and organizational performance.

Predictions
This image was created with Generative AI.. Global Systems Laboratory Predictions

Develop start-of-the-art Earth-system prediction capabilities.

Products
This image was created with Generative AI.. Global Systems Laboratory Products

Revolutionize products and services to enable informed decision-making.

Our Mission

Lead research and directed development through the transition of environmental data, models, products, tools, and services to support commerce, protect life and property, and promote a scientifically literate public.

Research Areas

Organizational Excellence, Earth System Prediction, Advanced Technologies, and Decision Support are the foundation to achieving the GSL Grand Challenge: Deliver actionable global storm-scale prediction and environmental information through advanced technologies to serve society.

Global Systems Laboratory